HAMILTON, BERMUDA: The Bermuda Ministry of Tourism, Telecommunications and E-Commerce has tapped the Horn Group to help attract web-based businesses to the island.

While Bermuda has a history of hosting financial institutions, e-businesses have started looking at locating there, as well, said Horn director Randy Orndorf.

"Bermuda has good facilities and IT infrastructure," said Orndorf. "They're not interested in attracting companies that want to outsource staff because there really isn't room on Bermuda for that. But for web-based companies that don't need much room but do need strong IT infrastructure, we want to promote Bermuda as an option."

Nigel Hickson, e-commerce consultant for the ministry, said Horn understood the e-business market very well, and had the right credentials and experience in media and analyst relations.

Businesses choosing to go to locations like Bermuda can face controversy, and the issue could become particularly political this year because of the presidential election. Some politicians have criticized firms for relocating to locales like Bermuda to avoid paying taxes.